Histology of the Reproductive System

Question 1

Male reproductive cell:

• columnar, on basement membrane
• surrounds germ cell elements with cytoplasmic extensions, form blood-testis barrier (BTB)
• 7% of the seminiferous tubular cells
• may contain CHARCOT-BOTTCHER crystalloids (bundles of microfilaments)
• irregular, highly folded nuclei with prominent nucleoli
• produces ANTI-MULLERIAN HORMONE, which causes regression of Mullerian duct in-utero
• secretes ANDROGEN-BINDING PROTEIN
• responsive to FSH
• also produces INHIBIN

Answer 1

Sertoli cell (sustentacular cell)

Question 2

Male reproductive cell:

• single-cell (20 microns) arrangement, or in clusters between seminiferous tubules
• produces TESTOSTERONE
• responsive to LH
• often associated with nerve fibers and blood vessels
• abundant pink cytoplasm with lipid, lipochrome pigment, REINKE crystalloids (hexagonal prisms by EM), round nuclei with distinct nucleoli
• fewer in elderly

Answer 2

Leydig cell

Question 3

Majority of seminiferous tubule cells

Answer 3

Spermatogenic cells

Question 4

Seminiferous tubule epithelium

Answer 4

Stratified epithelium

Question 5

Found in older prostates, described as calcified, concentric lamellated bodies

Answer 5

Corpora amylacea

Question 6

A non-ciliated epithelial cell within the uterine tube (oviduct or Fallopian tube)

Answer 6

Peg cell